Overview
The Quiz Patente is the theory exam for the Italian driving licence (patente di guida). The official information is on Il Portale dell'Automobilista, whose pages are in Italian and which this page is based on.
The same portal page covers the foglio rosa, the document that lets you practise driving, and the practical driving test that follows.
Who can apply
Each licence category has a minimum age:
| Category | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| AM | 14 |
| A1, B1 | 16 |
| A2, B | 18 |
| A (unrestricted) | 20 if you have held A2 for at least 2 years, otherwise 24 |
The official page also notes that the licence system has 15 categories since 19 January 2013, following the harmonised EU rules.
Exam pattern
Since 20 December 2021 (ministerial decree of 27 October 2021), the theory exam for categories A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE is:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 30 |
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Pass rule | No more than 3 wrong answers |
The portal publishes the quiz lists for categories AM, B, higher categories and CQC (the professional driver qualification card). It also says that, because of extra cleaning between exam sessions, the in-room tutorial was replaced by a video that candidates must watch before the exam, and that results are shown on the portal to registered candidates or those with SPID. The page does not give a date for this arrangement, so check the portal for the current practice.
Candidates with a DSA certification (specific learning disorders) get a longer time and can have the quiz read to them by audio file without further formalities.
Marking and results
You pass if you make 3 or fewer errors out of 30.
After the exam
A foglio rosa issued from 10 November 2021 is valid for 12 months.
Within that period you may take the practical driving test up to three times.
For motorcycles and mopeds, the foglio rosa lets you practise without an instructor beside you, including on busy roads, since 10 November 2021.
For the first three years after getting a category B licence, you may not exceed 100 km/h on motorways or 90 km/h on main out-of-town roads. In the first year, the engine power limit for new licence holders does not apply when an accompanying person is beside the driver in the role of instructor. That person must be no older than 65 and have held a licence valid for the same category for at least ten years, or a valid licence for a higher category.
FAQs
How many mistakes are allowed in the theory exam?
For categories A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE, the exam has 30 quizzes and you may get no more than 3 wrong.
How long is the theory exam?
20 minutes for categories A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE, since the change of 20 December 2021. Candidates with a DSA certification get extra time.
How long is the foglio rosa valid?
12 months for those issued from 10 November 2021, with up to three practical driving test attempts in that time.